Delta To Expand Water Transport After Launch Of CNG Bus Scheme
ASABA — The Delta State Government has announced plans to extend its transportation reforms to the waterways after rolling out its proposed Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus scheme aimed at improving public transportation across the state.
Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, disclosed this in Asaba on Thursday while providing an update on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval for the procurement of 50 CNG-powered buses and the construction of transport terminals.
Agofure said the buses are expected to arrive in the state within four to five months, explaining that they are being specially manufactured to the state’s specifications before shipment.
Responding to concerns about riverine communities, the commissioner said the government had not overlooked water transportation but was prioritising land transport based on travel demand.
“We are not neglecting the riverine communities. We carried out a study which showed that more people travel within the upland than the riverine areas. We will first address the needs of the majority before expanding to the waterways,” he said.
He added that the state intends to improve every segment of its transport sector, including water transportation, as the programme progresses.
According to Agofure, the CNG buses will serve both intercity and intra-city routes, with services planned for Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Udu and other town service corridors.
To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, he said Governor Oborevwori is establishing policies and institutional frameworks that would keep the transport scheme running beyond the life of the current administration.
He likened the approach to the legal backing given to the state’s 13th Month Salary policy, noting that similar measures would be put in place for the transport programme.
On fuel infrastructure, Agofure said the government is working with NIPCO Gas and other stakeholders to expand the number of CNG refuelling stations across the state. Proposed locations include Kwale, Agbor, Sapele and Abraka, in addition to existing facilities in Warri.
He also revealed that the governor had approved the construction of a major bus terminal in Asaba, while Warri would host the Federal Government’s regional transport terminal for the South, following the state’s donation of land for the project.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the initiative would create both direct and indirect employment opportunities while reducing transportation costs through more affordable fares.
He said the state would begin operations with 50 buses and gradually expand the fleet as the programme develops.
